Friday Ephemera
Some things, alas, cannot be unseen. || A display of colour-matching skills. (h/t, Darleen) || Live cooking feed of note. || Today’s word is carefree. || All the fun of the fair. || Kitten fishing. || Infinity bike. || Your own fab, switched-on Radiophonic Workshop. (h/t, Things) || Fiddle with drum loops. || At last, the smell of old people. || 10, Hyde Park Place. || Doll’s house of note. || “I can do it.” || Do keep up because there will be a test. || How to impress the ladies, a possible series. || “I want something I can hold… something that has value.” || The machine uprising, day one. || Your new morning routine. || Nice save, madam. || Women, you say. (h/t, Julia) || Ladies at large. || And finally, a justified gasp.
it was all I could do to find one that didn’t have its own twitter account
“I have often wished my computer were as easy to use as my telephone. I have gotten my wish; I no longer know how to use my telephone.”
I’m tempted to rise to the defense of my generation because the wife and I, both Millennials, cook, bake, keep house, perform auto repairs, etc. I took home-ec and multiple years of shop and mechanical drawing (drafting) courses in high school in the early aughts. What we didn’t learn from our parents we’ve been able to pick up from books or the internet. My wife’s current project is a Tunisian crochet blanket for our second daughter – she learned the method from YouTube. There are a couple of bottles of home-made mead in the fridge, a joint-project between us and a (Gen-X) friend who does hobby beer-brewing. Both of us are so-called “laptop-class” white-collar professionals, so it’s not a class-difference thing.
Then I remember the frigid January night we were on our way to a birthday dinner in a friend’s car, and the tire went flat. The other three male passengers stood around on the shoulder, staring, until I asked if maybe there were a spare. I ended up changing the owner’s tire for him when it became clear he had no idea how, and neither did the others.
I also remember that those shop and home-economics classes stopped being offered around the time I graduated.
I suppose all I can say is that there are still plenty of handy people among we foeti, though perhaps not as many as there once were.
I never understood why washing machines need to be so damn complicated.
We went with Speed Queen when we bought the washer and dryer for our new house earlier this year. Mechanical dials and all. They’ve worked well so far, and they have an impeccable reputation for reliability.
You aren’t a crazy person, so may I assume that the word “help” is missing at the end of the bold bit in the above quote?
“Allyn” Walker is an apologist and shouldn’t be anywhere near children or any program that involves children at any remove.
As noted before, regarding news items of this kind, transgender people report severe childhood abuse, often childhood sexual abuse, at rates far higher than is found in the wider population. Adults who have been violated as children are in turn much more likely to have, shall we say, issues, especially regarding normal boundaries, and to act inappropriately with minors.
In light of which, the oversharing of so many trans and “non-binary” educators – and other, more concerning behaviour – is not entirely surprising. What is surprising is that it seems we aren’t supposed to acknowledge such concerns.
On the one hand, I really do want those folks to fully embrace the “freedom of speech” thing so that the unwary can have an idea about how horrible those folks are.
In the early 1990s, one TA (who appeared to be of Asian descent) was exceedingly upset at the start of one class. When we asked him what bothered him so, he stated that he saw some males (presumably white guy jock types) wearing T-shirts emblazoned with a message describing that certain sex acts with Asian women will leave you hungry for the same acts in 30 minutes or so. Said TA mentioned that he thought such T-shirts should be forbidden on the campus. I pointed out that if someone wearing such a T-shirt believed that message was true, why the fucking hell would you want that person to hide their feelings on the matter? Wouldn’t you want Asian female students see what those people thought from a distance versus finding out the hard way?
Speed Queen
[ Peers over spectacles. ]
Good Samaritan Moment
When we are constantly exposed to clips of certain demographics behaving extremely badly (usually in shops or fast food restaurants) how reassuring to see all racial groups coming together to help a fellow human with commendable levels of bravery, resourcefulness, teamwork and quick thinking.
And speaking of Ms Walker, this seems apposite.
She wanted something simple and straightforward, with two dials — load size and white/color/dark temperature settings — and an on/off button. Unfortunately, nobody makes such a device anymore…
Not even Speed Queen? The brand you traditionally saw in apartment building communal laundry rooms, with a coin-operation attachment?
Not even Speed Queen? The brand you traditionally saw in apartment building communal laundry rooms, with a coin-operation attachment?
I learn so much from our little chats.
“I never understood why washing machines need to be so damn complicated.”
I have read that features increase sales, even features that are rarely if ever used. Hence, when people are shopping for a new monitor, and compare four likely models of similar price, the model with a few more features listed will sell a bit better. And if the features add little manufacturing cost, then why not offer them? I remember a CEO who, when faced with budgetary decisions, always asked, “Will it increase sales?”
She wanted something simple and straightforward, with two dials
A significant need for the elderly, who are likely to be confused by a plethora of unfamiliar buttons and dials and touch pads. But manufacturers tend to Not Give a Damn about the wishes and needs of the elderly who are outnumbered by the young. I suppose that one lesson here is to make sure, before one reaches that age, to have appliances and electronics which are likely to last the rest of one’s life.
[ Peers over spectacles. ]
[ Ponders what David thought we were talking about. Decides does not want to know. ]
Speed Queen…they have an impeccable reputation for reliability.
Consumer Reports agrees. Favored by landlords who cannot afford to be pay for frequent repairs/replacement. Such people are good sources of information about reliability of products, skill and honesty of technicians, etc.
Ponders what David thought…
Speed Queen, drag race, I am sure you can see the problem.
Meanwhile, another insightful and reasoned speech at the EU.
Meanwhile, another insightful and reasoned speech at the EU.
What the hell was that?
If this doesn’t get the Taliban to change their ways, nothing will.
I have read that features increase sales, even features that are rarely if ever used.
The problem when people read things. And other people read things. And everyone believes everyone else because having read the thing makes them smarter and thus better able to identify other smart people who read things. It’s why GM couldn’t sell the Chevy Nova in South America…because in Spanish No-va means “don’t go”…but I digress. And kid…a little.
Seems we were talking here not long ago about the complexity problem, the messing with user interfaces, old failed automobile operation redesigns. While I do not doubt that additional features do help sales in some regards, I don’t get why people, people with money on the line, consistently fail to understand the concept of diminishing returns. Seems it’s a thicker problem here in the US however.
What the hell was that?
C’mon, man. Remember back when you were a baby and you threw your bottle out of your crib? How you lacked the ability, the agency to get it back? What did you do? It’s completely understandable when you get your mind right.
I don’t get why people, people with money on the line, consistently fail to understand the concept of diminishing returns.
Have we been trained, partly via the entertainment media, to put excessive value on bells and whistles? And not think critically about their actual utility? (How else to explain internet-connected appliances?)
And then there are the dis-utilities: The “smart” devices which stop working when the manufacturer stops supporting them/shuts down the servers. And never mind the pervasive security issues.
features: I just test drove a new car and there were so many displays and buttons it was like the cockpit of a plane. I think this would be distracting. Sure, a feature to not back into something, great. But what if you really really need to run something over to escape danger? Looking at you, Antifa.
Smart devices: I read someone gave advice that if you are being mugged and there are people anywhere near, yell out “Siri, call 911” and even the thief’s phone will dial 911. Pretty good hack–not that I’m going to try it.
Asian BJ t-shirt: it is a pretty funny shirt by the way. Of course, woke scolds have no sense of humor.
“Speed Queen
[ Peers over spectacles. ]”
No, it’s not playing a Queen album at 78…
*ducks. Again*
features: I just test drove a new car and there were so many displays and buttons it was like the cockpit of a plane.
And most of them cannot be operated without taking your eyes off the road. [ Rolls eyes while grinding teeth. ]
“Siri, call 911”
Is there an equivalent for Android phones?
“Meanwhile, another insightful and reasoned speech at the EU.”
Bear in mind that a significant proportion of the British population totally lost their shit when the rest of us voted to leave that nuthouse.
I just test drove a new car and there were so many displays…
…that will crap out in five years to be replaced for beaucoup coin. Meanwhile, 40+ year old VDO analogue gauges still work perfectly.
Is there an equivalent for Android phones?
There are at least half a dozen, though I’d imagine Google Assistant is the most popular.
So, “Hey Google…”
…that will crap out in five years to be replaced for beaucoup coin
Can’t afford it? Supplies limited? Just take public transit or ride a bike, comrade.
So, “Hey Google…”
Better, “Hey, Rube!”, and all the nearby carnies* and circus roustabouts will come and beat the crap out of the mugger.
*(small hands, smell like cabbages)
Labour has a plan.
With the exception of nukes, not a good one, but a plan, not unlike the underwear gnomes.
a) Increasing “capacity” is not the same as increasing output.
b) Increasing wind production assumes one can control the wind.
c) Triple solar power – in the UK, famed for its sunny climate.
Top. Men.
Just started watching Bosch: Legacy and, five episodes in, it’s… not bad, actually. A smaller cast, a little less polished looking – i.e., cheaper – and not as compelling as Bosch in its prime, but… I don’t hate it. So far, it’s less disappointing than Bosch proper’s last two seasons.
Steve E: I’ve been following Cooking Haru on YouTube, who creates simple dishes (he just did fried sliced potatoes with cheese in between). Very amusing.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8bTxyN2ZCfMzS_JAEClfA/videos
Per earlier conversation …
Cooking suggestion.
Per earlier conversation …
My mother would look at all those symbols and be as confused as me.
…all those symbols and be as confused as me.
1. 40 Centimeter wavelength allowed between antennae
2. Pup tents permitted
3. Kilroy Was Here (Cyrillic)
4. British aircraft marking designating a prototype
5. Infantry running around in circles
6. Flat line, check your pacemaker
nearby carnies* and circus roustabouts
I always assume I’m surrounded by off-duty amusement park personnel also.
Life imitates Benny Hill…
Calling a man bald is sexual harassment, “…and is like commenting on the size of a woman’s breasts…”
I always assume I’m surrounded by off-duty amusement park personnel also.
[ Surveys clientele, says nothing. ]
”But what if you really really need to run something over to escape danger? Looking at you, Antifa.”
I don’t know about your car, but in mine there is a button to deactivate the anticollision system.
It even has a big ’A’ on it, for Antifa.
1. 40 Centimeter wavelength…
Barkeep, a double for the gentleman on my tab…
I’ve been following Cooking Haru on YouTube
That’s awesome. That is right up my son’s alley. Thanks. There’s something similar on one of the free ROKU channels. Each episode is less than 5-minutes. Before you know it you’ve watched 10 in a row.
not as compelling as Bosch in its prime
I got my wife to watch the first season of Bosch with me just recently. She finds the acting, especially by Titus Welliver a little stilted, I convinced her that it was a Noir thing. We haven’t got past episode 1 of season 2 though.
I’m surprised we haven’t seen more of this. I wouldn’t be surprised if “L” ,”G” and “B” completely removed themselves from “LGBQT+”. “QT+” have gotten a free ride off the legitimate “LG” movement. Now they’re taking everyone down with their narcissistic trip.
Not even Speed Queen?
We looked for Speed Queen, believe me. That’s what was being replaced (would have repaired it for the umpteenth time but the parts weren’t to be had for love or money). Unfortunately practically nobody, at least in our neck of the woods, carries the brand. Howard’s had one or two models, but they were too big to fit on her laundry porch.
Which is another thing [shakes cane]. How about some washer options for those of use who AREN’T doing the laundry for an entire soccer team?
Cooking suggestion.
That may be the most genius thing I’ve seen this week.
My mother would look at all those symbols and be as confused as me
Hot water…do not put in a triangle? Okay, I guess?
Over the last two years of cheap delivery and damn near doubling my salary thanks to the Great Resignation, I’ve discovered that I’ve completely forgotten how to cook. If there are any start-from-scratch YouTube channels out there, I’m all ears (and that actually work; there’s one channel I’ve seen that solely debunks all those Yummly-style recipe videos that don’t actually work, and will in fact break your appliances if you try to follow them).
I just test drove a new car and there were so many displays and buttons it was like the cockpit of a plane
I bought a new car myself with push-button start and sound baffling, and I routinely try to lock the car with the engine still running because I no longer have the muscle memory to turn the car off with the key, and I can’t hear the engine running when it’s parked in idle.
I concur on the placement of the main display, though. I do not like having to redirect my gaze that far from the windshield to follow the GPS. Then again, I’m reliably informed by a firefighter friend that the old-school dashboard-arm-attached GPS units do a credible impression of grapeshot if you get into an accident, so mixed blessing.
I no longer have the muscle memory to turn the car off with the key
I know what you mean. With gas being so expensive, I’ve been driving my wife’s car (an automatic) instead of mine (a stick that takes premium gas). Every time I get in her car, I practically put my clutch foot through the floor boards.
What’s the Maddie quotient like in “Bosch Legacy”?
What’s the Maddie quotient like in “Bosch Legacy”?
Well, she’s in it – and she’s still a quite limited actress – but I haven’t yet found her too jarring or objectionable. So far, she’s been relegated to the ‘C’ storyline, though of course things may change.
At the moment, I’m more concerned for Bosch’s house.
Cooking suggestion.
I use recipes as a suggestion of what may go into a dish. As far as quantities are concerned I use the ILAR technique – It Looks About Right. Saves a lot of bother and fuss.
The machine uprising, day one.
The second guy going down was the best part! If the third guy had gone down, that would’ve been LEGENDARY!
It reminds me of the Plank Gag. https://tropedia.fandom.com/wiki/Plank_Gag
She wanted something simple and straightforward, with two dials — load size and white/color/dark temperature settings — and an on/off button
We’ve got a 30 yr old microwave. Time, power level, done. When it dies, we may just do without. Popcorn function? Potato function?? PIZZA FUNCTION???? What sort of frelling pizza??? Deep dish? Vegetarian? The box is supposed to know this how?
Steps back from keyboard, breathes deeply…
We’ve got a 30 yr old microwave. Time, power level, done…Popcorn function? Potato function??
I did find some of those extra functions very useful: Many of them used a vapor sensor which was very handy: The microwave could detect when the frozen vegetables had thawed and cooked long enough to be done; ditto a potato, ditto soup. Unfortunately the sensor failed after a year* and I’ve had to return to estimating the proper cooking times and power levels, which sometimes results in unwanted splatters.
* GE product quality has fallen shamefully in recent years. I wonder why. /sarcasm
The horrible Cambridge professor was from a Brahmen family and they treat 99% of humanity as beneath their dignity.
…which calls to mind the old expression “Boston Brahmin”.
Good grief. Posted to the wrong thread again.
Good grief. Posted to the wrong thread again
I think we all know the way to the correction booth by now.
“I yam what I yam.”